Princeton, NJ – June 28, 2006 – The National Weather Service has
issued a Flood Watch for our area and officials are evacuating Trenton
areas prone to flooding. A shelter has been opened at:

Stokes School
Parkside and Homan Avenues
Trenton

The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey wants to point out three
important steps that can be taken to help prepare for this type of
emergency: Know the differences between Watches and Warnings; be
prepared; and know when to act.

FLASH FLOOD WARNING – means a flash flood is occurring or will
occur very soon.

Second, be prepared:

Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several
places – a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

Keep copies of insurance policies and other important documents
in a safe place less likely to be damaged during a flood, such as a
waterproof box, a safe-deposit box, or with a friend or relative
across town. You may need quick easy access to these documents.

Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is
issued.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing –
-- First aid kit and essential medications
-- Canned food and can opener
-- At least three gallons of water per person
-- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
-- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
-- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
-- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and
water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a
professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Third, know when to act:

When a FLOOD WATCH is issued – Move your furniture and valuables
to higher floors of your home.

When a FLOOD WARNING is issued – Listen to local radio and TV
stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as
soon as possible.

When a FLASH FLOOD WATCH is issued – Be alert to signs of flash
flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a FLASH FLOOD WARNING is issued –
-- Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You
may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
-- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm
drains. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your
safety.
-- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it
immediately and climb to higher ground.

Additional information about Floods and Flash Flood Safety can be
found on the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey web site at
www.njredcross.org.

American Red Cross assistance is free, made possible by voluntary
donations of time and money from the American people. You can help too –
volunteer your time, make a monetary donation, donate blood, and/or take
a CPR course. For more information on the programs and services of the
American Red Cross and to learn how you can get involved, contact your
local chapter. For Middlesex, Mercer and Hunterdon counties, visit the
American Red Cross of Central New Jersey web site at www.njredcross.org
or call 609/951-8550.